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Pickering Ponds Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 162 Google reviews · Running trail in Rochester, New Hampshire · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Pickering Ponds Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area featuring trails around a series of 3 ponds with wildlife and a river.
What runners say about Pickering Ponds Trail
“Its a very nice place to go the lake is beautiful and u can take some pretty pictures”
“Pickering ponds is an easy trail for an old dog and her owner.”
Loved this walk around the pond. Was great for my 3-year old and I to have a pleasant hour or so. Haven't explored the longer trails yet, but looking forward to another visit to do so. It's so nice to have public spaces like this nearby!
Amazing place for bird watching or just enjoying a nice walk. Never seen so many bird species in one spot in New Hampshire.
Easy trails to get a good walk on. They are wide and well groomed. Great place to take the family and go for a good walk.
Who would have thought there would be a nice walking trail sandwiched between a waste water treatment facility and a landfill? All kidding aside, this trail is a very nice flat loop that follows the perimeter of two small ponds. There is free parallel parking.
Trail conditions & character
“Its a very nice place to go the lake is beautiful and u can take some pretty pictures”
“All kidding aside, this trail is a very nice flat loop that follows the perimeter of two small ponds.”
“There were people walking, running and others walking leashed dogs here today.”
“All kidding aside, this trail is a very nice flat loop that follows the perimeter of two small ponds.”
“Trails are very nice but if you have a regular wheelchair it's a bit difficult.”
Plan your run at Pickering Ponds Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiterochesternh.gov
- Phone+1 603-332-4120
Running trails near Rochester
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
The Gonic Trails
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Isinglass River Access
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William H. Champlain Jr. Forest Trailhead
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Long Hill Memorial Park
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Big fenced-in park featuring playground equipment and a dog run, plus basketball and tennis courts.